This is from ages ago but I just found the photos again =) Sweet wee paddle around Lake Emma in the Hakatere Conservation area (Ashburton Lakes). Perfect morning with no wind and unlike the neighbouring Lake Camp, this one doesn't allow motor-boats. Dozens of fish (trouts I believe) in the water, knee deep water at the most. A great spot for beginners and for keen fishermen (permit required though). Only down side is the complete lack of shade which makes it a scorching spot in the hot NZ summer days.

Lately I have been SUPing the internet as it is too cold for me to SUP outside. So I found some amazing videos of paddlers encountering marine animals, and thought I'd make a selection. I hope you enjoy them!
This is also the right moment to post this cute picture I captured a while ago in the USA of a paddler and his pup observing a seal - and the seal observing them :)